Reasonable Adjustments Policy
Introduction
1.
We recognise that we need to take reasonable steps to ensure
that disabled people are not disadvantaged when reporting a concern
about a doctor.
2.
Under the Equality Act 2010 there is a duty to make ‘reasonable
adjustments’. The GMC is committed to meeting these legal
requirements.
3.
The duty to make reasonable adjustments only applies to disabled
people and not, for instance, to those with low literacy.
4.
However, we try to help anyone who is having difficulties, where
we can.
What is a reasonable adjustment?
5.
A reasonable adjustment is a service or facility that enables
disabled people to have the same access as a non-disabled person.
The GMC has a duty to make reasonable adjustments where its
arrangements place a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage in
comparison with people who are not disabled.
6.
An example of a reasonable adjustment for someone raising a
concern is providing information in large print for someone who is
visually impaired.
How does the GMC decide what is reasonable?
7.
There is a section on the complaints form where you can provide
information about what adjustments you may need to help you raise a
concern about a doctor.
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8.
As no two disabilities are the same, we make adjustments on a
case by case basis, taking into account:
a.
The specific circumstances;
b.
Any previous contact that we have had with you;
c.
Whether there is a better way forward;
d.
Whether we consider the adjustment to be reasonable.
9.
In the majority of cases we aim to provide the reasonable
adjustment(s) that you ask for.
10. In some cases we may need to consider in more detail how best to
overcome the difficulty that you are experiencing.
11. When deciding whether an adjustment is ‘reasonable’ we consider
a range of factors:
a.
how effective the adjustment(s) will be in preventing
disadvantage to you;
b.
whether it is practical for us to make the adjustment(s);
c.
whether we have the resources to make the adjustment(s);
d.
whether making the adjustment(s) would impact on our
activities.
12. Occasionally it may not be possible to provide the adjustments that
you require. In these cases we will always explain the reasons why we
cannot do so. Where it is possible, we will offer an alternative.
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